Japan continue their winning streak in Asian Rugby

Japan continued their unbeaten run Asian Rugby

Asian rugby giants Japan continued their winning streak in Asian Rugby when they ended the Asian Top three rugby tournament on top and secured the ARC Top 3 trophy on offer for the first time.

Their last encounter against Hong Kong was called off due to heavy rain and lightning last week-end in Hong Kong. It rained on Japan’s parade but Hong Kong did not mind after they finished runners-up to the Asian champions at the inaugural Asia Rugby Championship (ARC).

Torrential rain forced the finale at Aberdeen Stadium to be abandoned with the result being declared as a draw. It gave Hong Kong three valuable points allowing them to finish on 11 points and push down South Korea (eight points) to be placed number 3. Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) decided not to play in the relegation/promotion encounter which was scheduled for June 6. In case Sri Lanka had agreed they would have taken wing to play South Korea in an away game. But from next year onwards in the ARC there will be a compulsory promotion/relegation encounter.

 Undefeated Japan was crowned champions even before the match started - holding an unbeatable lead with 18 points. They finished with 21 points. There was double delight for Japan as far as trophies were concerned with the Japanese women being crowned Asian women’s champions after defeating Hong Kong 27-12. Japan’s win represents a seismic shift in Asian women’s 15s with defending and perennial champions Kazakhstan unseated to finish as runners-up while Hong Kong claimed third spot.(SJ)